Abstract:
Disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies, such as carbon-based, inorganic cement, or ceramic bodies. Methods disclosed herein may comprise applying a bidirectional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step. Also disclosed herein are methods of making shaped bodies comprising a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein are shaped bodies made by a process comprising applying a bi-directional gas flow to at least one heat treatment and/or controlled oxidation step, and shaped bodies made by a single-step controlled oxidation firing process. Further disclosed herein is a bidirectional gas flow furnace for the heat treatment and/or the controlled oxidation of a shaped body.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for continuous firing of shaped bodies in one cycle, in particular a continuous method for heat treatment and/or control oxidation of shaped bodies by passing them through a roller hearth furnace on furnace trays.
Abstract:
Method and systems are provided using streaming geometry in 3D imagery production. In one implementation a method for use in the display of 3D video images comprises receiving a first set of data corresponding to an output from a layout in a production pipeline, generating geometry data for one or more objects represented within the first set of data, merging the geometry data for each of the one or more objects to create one or more merged files, generating a table of contents, wherein the table of contents specifies the location of the geometry data for each of the one or more objects within the one or more merged files and storing the geometry data and the table of contents to a memory device for subsequent retrieval
Abstract:
Methods for heat treating glass sheets (13) are disclosed in which the sheets (13) are held in a vertical orientation in a treatment container (15) during the heat treatment. The container (15) includes a support system for the glass sheets (13) that comprises a bottom support (17), two side supports (19a, 19b), and a top support (21). The sheets (13) are slid into the container (15) without contact between their side edges (23a, 23b) and the side supports (19a, 19b). The top support (21) is then slid onto the tops of the sheets (13) without contacting the sheets' top edges (25). In certain embodiments, flushing air which has been HEPA filtered and pre-heated is passed through the container (15) during the heat treatment. Apparatus for practicing the methods of the invention are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method for enhancing the proliferation and/or hematopoietic differentiation and/or maintenance of mammalian stem cells. The method is useful for generating expanded populations of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and thus mature blood cell lineages. This is desirable where a mammal has suffered a decrease in hematopoietic or mature blood cells as a consequence of disease, radiation or chemotherapy. The method of the present invention comprises increasing the intracellular level of a cdx in stem cells, including hematopoietic stem cells, in culture, either by providing an exogenous cdx protein to the cell, or by introduction into the cell of a genetic construct encoding a cdx. The cdx is selected from the cdx family and includes cdx1, cdx2, or cdx4. The cdx may be a wild type protein appropriate for the species from which the cells are derived, or a mutant form of the protein.
Abstract:
A computer connected to an ISDN central office switch via an ISDN digital subscriber line, provides management information regarding activities of a plurality of telephone agents. The computer has shared call appearances with a number of telephone agent stations and receives shared call appearance associated messages from the switch reflecting call handling messages exchanged between the ISDN switch and each of the agent stations. The messages are interpreted by the computer, which generates station status information and management information such as the number of calls handled, average holding time per call, etc. The computer may be connected simultaneously to several central offices via ISDN subscriber lines and generate management information for a group of geographically separated agents, such as home telemarketing agents operating out of their individual homes and connected to different central offices. Based on the generated status and management information, the computer performs an incoming call management function by selecting agents connected to different switches for handling incoming calls and transmitting to the ISDN switch appropriate messages for causing the switch to transfer incoming calls to the selected agents. Additionally, the computer performs an outgoing call management function by initiating outgoing calls and causing the switch to connect an answering party to an agent, selected by the computer on any of the switches.
Abstract:
A reactor system that can safely use general purpose electrical devices and unregulated surface temperature heat sources even though a flammable and/or combustible substance is being processed in the reactor or is within the processing area. The reactor system includes a reaction vessel and at least one process control device proximate the reaction vessel which is a possible ignition source for flammable and combustible materials. A shroud encloses the ignition source within a chamber and the chamber is provided with an inactive environment which is effective for preventing the ignition source from igniting any flammable or combustible substance that may enter the chamber.
Abstract:
Several embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for use with node-based compositing to assist in the generation of a second eye or camera of a stereoscopic image. In one implementation, a method for use in 3D movie production comprises the steps: displaying composite nodes to a user, the composite nodes indicating how to composite a first plurality of rendered 2D elements into an output image, the rendered 2D elements and the plurality of composite nodes corresponding to a first eye of a 3D image; and receiving user input to add one or more transition nodes to the composite nodes, each transition node following a respective composite node and to be used for regeneration of one or more elements corresponding to the respective composite node, wherein the composite nodes and the one or more transition nodes are to be used to direct generation of a second eye of the 3D image.
Abstract:
Method and systems are provided using streaming geometry in 3D imagery production. In one implementation a method for use in the display of 3D video images comprises receiving a first set of data corresponding to an output from a layout in a production pipeline, generating geometry data for one or more objects represented within the first set of data, merging the geometry data for each of the one or more objects to create one or more merged files, generating a table of contents, wherein the table of contents specifies the location of the geometry data for each of the one or more objects within the one or more merged files and storing the geometry data and the table of contents to a memory device for subsequent retrieval.
Abstract:
A drum throne with a cooling system comprises a seat, a stand and a cooling system attachment. The seat has a seat frame a breathable seat surface coupled to the seat frame that allows air to pass therethrough and a mounting bracket coupled to the seat frame underneath the breathable seat surface. The stand has a central support post that detachably couples to the mounting bracket and a plurality of legs that adjustably extend from the central support post. The cooling system attachment detachably couples to either the mounting bracket of the seat or to the central support post of the stand. The cooling system attachment further includes a fan mounting support to releasably hold a fan that directs air to flow through the breathable seat surface of the seat.